WTA Miami Day 7 brings some enticing Round of 16 matches. Here, we will focus on four of the matches, including Elena Rybakina vs. Madison Keys. Who will come through, and which seeds will fall?
WTA Miami Day 7 Predictions
Maria Sakkari vs Anna Kalinskaya
Head-to-Head: Sakkari 1-0
Maria Sakkari will be the undoubted favourite here. The Greek is the higher seed and will be hoping to progress deep, as last season, she went out in the first round at WTA Miami. Anna Kalinskaya has already gone further than last season, as she made the second round. Both players will battle to get through to the next round.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Editor’s note: Sakkari has received a walkover to the quarterfinals.
Anhelina Kalinina Vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-Head: Putintseva 2-1
Anhelina Kalinina has battled her way through two matches already. The Ukrainian has gone one round better than last season, so she is already ahead of the game here. Against Yulia Putintseva, however, it will be a tricky ask to get to the next round. The Kazakh is the only non-seed in this selection of matches and leads the head-to-head. Putintseva has played one match more, so she could be tired, as all have gone the distance.
Prediction: Putintseva in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Katie Boulter
Head-to-Head: First Meeting
This selection’s match is between Victoria Azarenka and Katie Boulter. The Belarussian is the 27th seed. The Belarussian made the second round last year before going out, so Azarenka will want to move further on. Brit Katie Boulter is riding high after a title in San Diego. Having made this stage in straight sets, the Brit will hope she can move on again, as she is the last Brit standing in the ladies’ singles.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Madison Keys
Head-to-Head: Keys 2-1 Rybakina
Elena Rybakina is the fourth seed and 2022 Wimbledon Champion. The Kazakh has taken the distance in her first two matches here, and she will be hoping this doesn’t happen again. Madison Keys has had an easier time reaching this stage. All three previous meetings between them were in 2022, with the American taking the first two wins before Rybakina clinched the last one. This will be an interesting match.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports